Prayer, money and community commitment are the greatest needs of the Marshall County Free Clinic right now, according to Rev. Tim Polley.

Indications are that the public is meeting those needs. Last week Marshall County Elks Lodge #2707 presented a check for $5,000 to be used as seed money to get the clinic started.

The Benton Kiwanis Club and First Christian Church of Benton have also made financial donations to the clinic recently.

Marshall County Judge Executive Mike Miller praised the Elks for their ongoing commitment to Marshall County.

“Every time time I have asked and we have a worthy cause, Elks 2707 and their auxiliary are the first to step forward,” Miller said. “They are our largest contributor to the Exceptional Center with over $400,000 given to that cause over the years. Time and again I’ve seen them get into their pockets to help out and that’s what it’s all about.”

Polley is chairman of the board of directors working to get the clinic up and running. Plans are to house the clinic in a building on the campus of the old Marshall County Hospital.

Board members have said they would like to have the clinic open and serving the community by November and while Polley admits that goal is lofty, he says it is possible with more financial and volunteer support.

“It’s an optimistic goal,” Polley said. “But if we get the money we can get things done. Our phones are already ringing from people who need the help of the clinic. I had a call just this week from a woman who needs help for her daughter and can’t afford it. The need is great.”

Annual operating expenses of the clinic have been estimated at $60,000. Polley wants to see as much of that as possible in the bank prior to the clinic’s opening.